It's an annual weed, Lamium purpureum, aka red or purple henbit.

I checked online and the one that you mentioned is different from the above. Mine is very light in color..not a dark green like the others.

Check out Google images:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lamium+purpureum&num=50&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=kh5hVfK0M4nKoASayIGIDg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=540

Yes, I guess that's what it is. The coloration was a bit off, but I found one that was similar. I love it and I think I will leave it alone..seems to offer lots of pollen for honey bees! Thanks so much!

I certainly wouldn't let it go to seed!! Each plant can produce 27,000 seeds. Your neighbors will hate you. And the more sun it is in, the lighter colored it is.

The id is definite - Lamium purpureum. I'd call this Red Dead Nettle. Henbit I'd use for Lamium amplexicaule. The common names appear to vary in different areas. So when you check on line use the botanical name, not a common name, to make sure what you are finding. And remember, Google has many mislabelled pictures on it.

This plant isn't a lawn weed if the lawn is healthy and thick. It is more likely to be found in cultivated ground and will flower and set seed all year round in places with relatively mild winters.

kimmq, I agree with you. We don't kill our dandelions either. Our rabbits love them!

I'm a beekeeper so I let a lot of plants that are considered weeds alone & plant a lot of white clovers but this plant when it's happy can take over large areas. I've had it mound over low garden fencing & low growing perennials. yes my bees work it in the spring but I have plenty of other thing growing for the bees without this weed covering 1/2 of my yard & garden. I can keep it sort of in check by raking it with a dirt rake. it pulls out fairly easily but you won't get it all. if it's flowered DO NOT compost it. you'll just be storing seeds to be planted later.